Romelu Lukaku has claimed that he turned down Juventus to remain at Everton.
A host of clubs were understood to be chasing Lukaku this summer including the reigning Serie A champions and the striker’s former club Chelsea.
But Ronald Koeman confirmed last month that the Belgium international would be staying with the Blues this season.
And Lukaku has revealed his motivation in rebuffing Juventus’ advances for the Goodison Park club.
“It stings a little [not being in Europe], but I’m someone who believes that everything happens for a reason,” he told Het Nieuwsblad.
“Otherwise I would have gone to Juventus instead of staying at Everton. But I opted for Everton because it was too early for Italy and I have not done badly here.
“Now we have a new coach and it is completely different than with Mr Martinez, but I think we can make progress under Ronald Koeman. It may be the last step and then look further.
“I knew of the interest of a few clubs, it was quickly very clear that Everton would not let me go. It was important to me that I remained calm, and I did
“I said to myself that I will do my best and who knows what will happen in the future.”